Grayson-Improved Weather Forecasting, NASA Bills Pass Science and Tech Committee
Grayson’s Hurricane Precision Program Included in Bill
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – This week, the Science, Space, and Technology Committee passed three bills with major contributions from Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-09): the ‘Weather Forecasting Improvement Act of 2013’ (H.R. 2413), the ‘TRANSFER Act’ (H.R. 2981), and legislation addressing termination of NASA contracts for programs like the International Space Station, or the Orion capsule (H.R. 3625).
Grayson amended H.R. 2413, the ‘Weather Forecasting Improvement Act of 2013’ at the subcommittee level earlier this year. One of Grayson’s amendments added hurricanes and tornadoes as major priorities for severe storm research, which received $400 million in funding under H.R. 2413. His second amendment established a Hurricane Warning Precision Program, which will ensure that hurricane forecasts and warnings become more precise - reducing fatalities, injuries, and the economic damage caused by hurricanes. His amendments were included in the bill that passed out of the full committee this past week.
“I’m happy to see this bill pass out of committee with my amendments included,” Grayson said. “One of my amendments creates a targeted program, which will focus explicitly on improving the accuracy of hurricane forecasting efforts. It’s important that people living in exposed states, such as Florida, trust the accuracy of storm forecasts. Inaccurate forecasts are dangerous to these communities not only because they fail to warn, but also because over time, they lead to public disregard for storm warnings. By the time that a hurricane or tornado actually arrives, it can be too late for the public to heed these warnings.”
The TRANSFER Act creates grant opportunities for research and innovative technology transfers at universities, research institutes, and federal laboratories. Grayson’s contribution to the TRANSFER Act ensures that the individuals who serve on the program’s oversight boards do not have a conflict of interest with the proposed transfers of technology or the grants awarded under this legislation. The author of the bill, Republican Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27), expressly thanked Grayson for his important contribution to the legislation.
H.R. 3625 requires Congressional approval before canceling contracts for major NASA programs like the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion Crew Capsule, or International Space Station. Grayson worked to ensure that the bill didn’t needlessly restrict the ability to terminate smaller contracts for services related to these programs, such as grounds keeping, janitorial work, or food service.
Congressman Alan Grayson represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk counties. He previously served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 8th Congressional District in the 111th Congress.
